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» Lackey Chapel to serve needs of CCU community

Now it's official: Lackey Chapel, the little white church with the red roof, is open for services.

The 125-seat chapel will be dedicated with an interdenominational service on Feb. 11 and will then be available to student religious organizations and any group with a spiritual focus.

Aside from the dedication, the first service planned for the chapel is a Catholic Mass officiated by Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 20. It is sponsored by the Newman Club, the student Catholic organization.

Requests for use of the interdenominational chapel must go through the University's Conference Services.

The idea for the chapel originated with Sarah and A. Edward Jackson III of Myrtle Beach, who gave a substantial gift toward its construction. In 2009, the couple signed a memorandum of understanding with the Coastal Educational Foundation for construction of the chapel “to serve the spiritual needs of Coastal Carolina University students and employees.”

“I attended Coastal from 1966 to 1968, and I thought the campus should have had a chapel even back then,” says Jackson, a Myrtle Beach real estate developer who is active in his church and community. “While I was a student, I took classes under the late Ron Lackey, who was the college chaplain at that time. He was a great inspiration to me; he’s the reason I do what I do.”

The chapel is named for the late Ronald D. Lackey (1938-1999), professor emeritus and former CCU chaplain. The Ronald D. Lackey Service Award is given annually at the honors convocation to the graduating senior who has excelled in service to the university and the community.

The chapel is located across University Boulevard from the horseshoe. The facility is owned by the Coastal Educational Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives charitable gifts in support of the University. According to the agreement, the Jacksons paid for the construction of the chapel building and parking lot, as well as the cost of architectural and engineering services.

The Jacksons and university officials say the chapel will serve students, faculty, alumni and staff members of all faiths for a variety of uses such as memorial services, weddings, campus group functions and other special occasions.

According to the Jacksons’ wishes, the chapel’s traditional architecture and woodland setting complement the natural landscape of the University.

» The Commons undergoes growing pains

The Commons is undergoing a major makeover – a 6,100-square-foot, 175-seat addition to the facility.

Hanco of South Carolina Inc. will begin construction mid-February. The addition, which will be named the Frederick W. Hicks III Dining Hall, will be completed in July. Hicks was a former chancellor and professor of history at the University.

In addition to 175 indoor seats, the project will also add some 130 seats in an outdoor area, as well as an additional beverage station, an International Grille, a pizza/pasta area and new restrooms.

The addition will be on the east side of The Commons in the courtyard area of Waccamaw Hall.

“The current facility is outdated in terms of size, style of service and ambiance,” says Jeff Stone, director of Food Sevices. “Coastal Carolina Dining Services, in partnership with the University, have been evaluating the possible expansion of the Commons for years.”

According to Rein Mungo, director of University Projects and Planning, a survey found that the busiest time at The Commons was from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“The tables had to turn over at least six times during this timeline to accommodate students, faculty, staff and any university function at The Commons,” Mungo says. “With the continued growth, we need more seating.”

And the new project will provide just that. The additional seating will bring total indoor capacity to about 565.

“We continually monitor students’ desires, and the surveys reflected that students want major changes to the dining atmosphere, including alleviating the overcrowding issues and increasing the menu offerings,” says Stone. “But we face several physical challenges at the Commons, including a cramped serving area, congestion in the dining area, and the need to provide adequate space to accommodate the growing number of dining patrons.”

The addition will provide a more open and user-friendly service area and expand menu offerings. The pizza station will include pasta recipes cooked to order during lunch and dinner, and the standalone salad bar will offer more options, including sauteed toppings.

“The new look, feel, style of service and expanded size will have a positive impact on the campus community,” says Stone, “and on CCU’s ability to attract, recruit and retain students.”